CT LAW FIRM WARNS IMPORTED MATERIALS, TOYS & CANDY POSE LEAD POISONING THREAT

Submitted by: Johnathan Perkins, Injury Attorneys

Like most children, the little girl played a lot on her living room couch from the time she was one until she was 4 years old. Her parents knew she would sometimes chew on the couch’s fabric. What they didn’t know was that lead was used during the curing and coloring of the material used on the couch imported from China, causing the girl to suffer from lead poisoning. Connecticut Attorney Jonathan Perkins successfully concluded a case for the family and is warning people of other little-known sources of the toxic metal during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Month in October.

“Many people may think if they don’t have peeling lead paint in their homes they have nothing to worry about, but the reality is lead exposure can come from unexpected sources, ” explained Attorney Perkins, founder of Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, a top accident and injury law firm. “Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized for years.”

Therefore, when seeking damages for exposure to toxic substances caused by a manufacturer or landlord, Perkins said it’s important to have a full record of the condition as it progressed and an expert opinion on what caused the ailments. In lead poisoning cases, there are other factors to consider. The claim will be pursued differently for instance, if the lead poisoning happened as a result of a landlord not properly warning a tenant of old lead paint or where there were improper warnings on a product.

Children at higher risk for lead exposure are those who are poor, members of racial-ethnic minority groups, recent immigrants, those who live in older, improperly-maintained rental properties, or have parents who are exposed to lead at work.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half a million U.S. children have blood lead levels high enough to harm their health. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Lead exposure damages the brain and nervous system, slows development and causes hearing, speech, learning and behavioral problems. In adults, it can damage the blood-forming, nervous, urinary, and reproductive. A simple blood test is the best way to test for lead poisoning.

In addition to consuming lead paint or breathing dust particles from the paint, parents should be aware of other sources:


Toys that are made in other countries or are antique can contain lead in the paint or plastic components.

Costume or toy jewelry made with lead and sold by retailers or in vending machines will not hurt your child to wear, but they can be exposed if they put them in their mouths or if they swallow small charms.
Water contamination from lead pipes within the home. Water testing is recommended.

With Halloween around the corner, Perkins notes that lead has even been found in some candies imported from Mexico. Certain candy ingredients such as chili powder and tamarind may be a source of lead, and it sometimes gets into the candy when processes such as drying, storing, and grinding the ingredients are done improperly. Also, lead has been found in the ink used on wrappers of some imported candies that may leach into the candy.

Toxic Metal Poisoning Prevention Tips:

While treatment is available for those diagnosed with lead poisoning, some simple precautions can help avoid it:

For Children:

Wash dust from hands, feet, toys and bottles after playtime, eating and before bedtime
Remove recalled toys and toy jewelry immediately from children. A list of recalled products can be found at www.cpsc.gov.
Fix peeling paint so that infants cannot put paint chips in their mouths.
Serve foods that have calcium, iron and vitamin C
Keep children out of renovation and building areas

For Adults:

Keep lead out of water by letting the tap run for one minute before drinking it
Use lead-free dishes
Renovate safely, especially in a home constructed before 1978.
Wash hands of dust before eating and sleeping
Keep dust to a minimum by mopping floors regularly and wiping window sills with a damp cloth

“While parents may follow all of these prevention steps, their homes or possessions may still be unknowingly tainted by lead,” said Perkins. “Although we cannot undo the damage of lead poisoning, we will use every resource available to ensure families receive appropriate compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings or loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.”

Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers

. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers represents clients in practice areas including auto accidents, product liability, dog bites, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, premises liability, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, workers’ compensation injuries and Social Security claims. Se habla Español.

For more information visit www.800perkins.com or call 1-800-PERKIN

By Published On: October 18, 2018Categories: Mommy & Me

About the Author: Dee Ferrero

Ms. Ferrero is the CEO of Western Mass Women Magazine as well as the founder of several women's mentor and advocacy groups along the east coast.

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